President Donald Trump didn’t hold back when Russian leader Vladimir Putin slammed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” at Putin’s remarks. He claimed the Russian president’s comments were “not going in the right location.”
Putin Calls for Zelenskyy Ouster
On Friday, Putin called for a transitional government in Ukraine. That move could push Zelenskyy out of power. The statement stirred tensions and triggered Trump’s sharp reaction.
During an early morning call with NBC News, Trump made it clear he wouldn’t tolerate blame falling on Ukraine without consequences for Russia.
“If Russia and I can’t make a deal to stop the bloodshed,” Trump said, “and I decide Russia is at fault — which it might not be — then I’m slapping secondary tariffs on oil. All oil coming from Russia.”
Trump Angry With Putin: Warns of Harsh Tariffs
Trump detailed the tariffs. “There will be a 25% tariff on oil. A 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil,” he said. “If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the U.S.”
This aggressive stance follows Trump’s earlier criticisms of Zelenskyy. He had previously said he was “sick” of Zelenskyy’s war strategy and even labeled him a dictator — an accusation not backed by facts.
The U.S. had already banned Russian oil imports back in 2022. Under President Joe Biden, that move drastically cut down Russian oil shipments to the U.S. Last year, only 10,000 barrels of Russian crude made it into the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Trump Targets Venezuela, Too
Trump isn’t stopping with Russia. On Truth Social, he warned of similar secondary tariffs on oil from Venezuela. He said any country buying from Venezuela could face penalties.
Countries like China, India, Turkey, and Brazil — all big buyers of Russian oil — could get caught in this net if Trump sticks to his tariff threat.
Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a key promise of his campaign. Talks between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine kicked off during the first months of his second term. Last week, those talks led to a limited ceasefire. The deal allowed ships safe passage in the Black Sea and paused attacks on power plants.
Trump Says Putin ‘Knows I’m Angry’
Trump doubled down on Sunday, repeating that Russia had a month to strike a ceasefire deal. Otherwise, “there will be a 25% tariff on oil and other products sold in the United States.”
He added, “Putin knows I’m angry, but the anger fades fast… if he does the right thing.” Still, Trump said he maintains a “very good relationship” with the Russian leader. The two plan another conversation this week.
His tough talk didn’t stop with Russia.
Trump Threatens Iran With Bombing
In a separate Saturday interview with NBC, Trump also targeted Iran. He warned that if Iran doesn’t strike a deal with the U.S. over nuclear weapons, “there will be bombing the likes of which they’ve never seen.”
Despite those threats, Trump said talks with Iran are ongoing. “We’re talking,” he confirmed.
But Iran isn’t interested. On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected direct talks with the U.S. He issued the statement in response to a letter Trump sent to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
The drama between Trump, Putin, and other global leaders is heating up. But for now, all eyes are on whether Trump’s anger leads to action — or just more words.
